On 12 April 2018, the 18th Greece-USA High Level Advisory Committee Meeting was held at the Ministry of National Defence, aiming at the total review of the defence cooperation between the two countries.
The Minister of National Defence, Panos Kammenos, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence, Thomas Goffus, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, Jonathan Cohen and the US Ambassador, Geoffrey R. Pyatt, attended the meeting.
The meeting was an important opportunity to review the accomplishments of the two allied countries regarding the defence cooperation in the last three years, to analyse the current security challenges, to map the future actions and to evaluate the specific needs of the two sides, for a solid and upgraded defence cooperation, aiming to essentially meet the requirements of the present times.
The Hellenic and US delegations confirmed their steady commitment in the principles of the North-Atlantic Treaty for a peaceful settlement of disputes and an obligation on behalf of everyone, to avoid a threat or use, in a way that does not comply with the purpose of the United Nations.
The US delegation praised Greece’s steady role in the South Region of the Alliance, as well as the efforts of the Hellenic Government to contribute to the establishment of a peace and security ‘bow’, extending from the Balkans and the Black Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Hellenic side presented issues of utmost interest, which affect the stability in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, as well as incidents that undermine the Alliance’s unity.
The US delegation pointed out the need on everyone’s behalf to comply with the principles and rules of the United Nations Charter, to behave with full respect of the International Law and in a spirit of good neighborly relations.
The High Level Advisory Committee also examined potentials for defensive, technical and industrial cooperation, in accordance with decisions of the Hellenic Government, regarding the upgrading of the country’s defence capabilities.
The Hellenic side expressed its satisfaction for the current approval by the US Congress, of the increased amount of money granted to Greece, in the context of the International Education and Training program, as well as of the funding, and stated that it awaits for the decisions of the US Covernment.
The US side pointed out Greece’s geopolitical significance and the impressive accomplishments in the Greek-US cooperation providing more potential in the future. In this context and as a tangible proof of the political will for a further reinforcement of the defence cooperation, the two sides agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding for a NATO pier and marine support facilities, as well as on a Technical Arrangement for US Air Force aircraft deployment.
In the context of the decision for a thorough examination of the strategic cooperation, the Advisory Committee agreed to meet regularly and to convene meetings of high level officials, to discuss issues of certain topics or sections, as a preparation for its annual meetings.
At the end of the discussions, a minute’s silence was observed, in the memory of the Greek pilot, Georgios Baltadoros, who fell in action.
